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Credit: Anton Spenko
(Rezmon Observatory)
Explanation:
A comet
may likely become visible to the unaided eye over the
next few days above the
horizon where the Sun has just set.
Comet NEAT (C/ 2002 V1), discovered last November, has
brightened dramatically as it approached the Sun.
Over the next few days, the
quickly setting comet could
appear as bright as second
magnitude.
On February 18 it will round the Sun well within the orbit
of
Mercury.
During surrounding days, the Sun's glare will effectively
hide the comet to human observers.
It is quite probable, though, that
Comet NEAT will standout prominently in
images taken by the Sun-looking
SOHO satellite.
Pictured above,
Comet NEAT's complex and developing
tail was photographed on
January 29 (top) and February 2.
Sky enthusiasts
should remember to never look directly at the Sun.
APOD Update:
APOD mirror now on-line from Australia.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: Comet NEAT - Sun
Publications with words: Comet NEAT - Sun
See also: